EXPLORE America250: Celebrating One Year of the explore act

The House Committee on Natural Resources GOP held a hearing on January 22, 2026, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act). The meeting focused on the implementation progress of the Act by federal land management agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service. Key procurement-related discussions included infrastructure projects funded through the Great American Outdoors Act, with over $240 million spent on deferred maintenance and 477 projects completed, including roads, bridges, and recreation sites. Agencies reported ongoing efforts to modernize permitting systems for guides and outfitters, streamline access through digital passes, and expand recreational opportunities such as shooting ranges and accessible trails. The hearing also highlighted the role of public-private partnerships, including a foundation managing $17 million in shovel-ready projects to improve BLM infrastructure. Witnesses emphasized the need for adequate staffing and resources to fully implement the Act's provisions and called for continued bipartisan oversight and collaboration. Several letters and reports related to implementation and policy clarifications were entered into the record. Overall, the hearing underscored the Act's impact on expanding outdoor recreation access, supporting rural economies, and preserving public lands for future generations.